Have you ever read the details of your Scotiabank Travel Emergency Medical Insurance provided by your credit card?
I have summarized a few important details as you evaluate whether you need additional emergency medical insurance during your travels.
The following credit cards have the Travel Emergency Medical Insurance with Scotiabank:
- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card (Certificate of Insurance)
- Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Card (Certificate of Insurance)
- Scotiabank Gold American Express Card (Certificate of Insurance)
- Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card (Certificate of Insurance)
For other credit card issuers, information about their travel insurance policy is available here:
- American Express Out of Province and Country Emergency Medical Insurance
- BMO Out of Province Emergency Medical Protection Insurance
- CIBC Out of Province Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
- RBC Out of Province Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
- Scotiabank Travel Emergency Medical Insurance
- TD Travel Medical Insurance
The information listed below is my interpretation of the insurance policy.
Coverage Eligibility
The basic coverage for the for all the listed cards is:
- Coverage is provided to the cardholder, cardholder’s spouse, and cardholder’s dependent children.
- There is a limit of $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 depending on the credit card.
Exclusions of Basic Coverage
Important Exclusions:
- There is limited coverage for pre-existing medical conditions (credit to Luc). Pre-existing medical conditions need to be stable at least 180 days prior to your trip departure date, for those under 75, or 365 days, for those 75 or older.
- Scuba diving (unless you have a designation), motorized race, motorized speed contest, bungee jumping, parachuting, rock climbing, mountain climbing, hang-gliding or skydiving.
Coverage Benefits
| Benefits | Limitations (C$) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation in a Hospital or Medical Facility | - |
| Doctor's Bills | - |
| Private Registered Nurse | - |
| Ground Ambulance Service | - |
| Air Ambulance Service | - |
| Paramedical Services | Not covered |
| Diagnostic Services | - |
| Prescriptions | - |
| Medical Appliances | - |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | 2,000 |
| Emergency Dental Pain Relief | Not covered |
| Emergency Return Home | - |
| Care and Return of Dependent Children | Not covered |
| Transportation to Bedside | $100 for meal and hotel accommodation for the relative visit the hospital |
| Traveling Companion Benefit | Not covered |
| Return of Deceased | 5,000 |
| Meals and Accommodation | Not covered |
| Vehicle Return | 1,000 for your return of private or rentlal vehicle |
| Incidental Expenses | Not covered |
| Return of Excess Baggage | Not covered |
| Car Accident Insurance | $200 per day of accommodation, food, car rental and commercial transportation options for up to 3 days after your personal vehicle is disabled as a result of an accident during the trip. This is a Scotiabank exclusive coverage |
Differences between cards
The major difference between the credit cards is what is the age group that is covered, how long they are covered for, and the maximum coverage provided.
| Credit Card | 64 Years or Younger | 65 Years or Older | Maximum Coverage (C$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Card | 15 | 0 | 1,000,000 |
| Scotiabank Gold American Express Card | 25 | 3 | 1,000,000 |
| Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card | 25 | 3 | 2,000,000 |
| Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card | 31 | 10 | 2,000,000 |
Conclusion
Scotiabank has one of the worst Travel Medical Insurance policies in Canada.
They have lower maximum limits and absolutely no coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
The only silver lining is a rare benefit for driving accidents using your car in a road trip. However, with that amount capped at $600, it has a lot to be desired.
